Goats and sheep clear vegetation at Atascadero Cemetery
Over the past month, the goats and sheep cleared 10 acres of land
– A herd of goats and sheep recently completed a sustainable grazing project at Atascadero Cemetery, clearing overgrown vegetation and reducing wildfire risk. The effort, led by SLO Goats & Sheep, marked the first phase of the cemetery’s expansion plan.
“We were honored to bring our hardworking team to the Atascadero Cemetery,” said Uriel Angeles, operations manager at SLO Goats & Sheep. “It was so rewarding to see the animals in action, helping to prevent wildfires and clear the land naturally. Plus, the animals seemed really happy there—they’ve got a variety of vegetation to graze on, and the surroundings are beautiful. It’s the perfect environment for them to thrive and do good work.”
Over the past month, the goats and sheep cleared 10 acres of land, targeting invasive plant species, improving soil health, and removing fire-prone grasses and weeds. The animals also navigated steep terrain that traditional equipment could not reach, creating natural firebreaks.
The cemetery is preparing to open new burial grounds on currently undeveloped land. Future plans include adding drought-tolerant landscaping, improving irrigation systems, and incorporating other environmentally friendly practices.
“We couldn’t be happier with how this 10-acre project turned out,” said district manager Cindy Summers. “It’s such a joy to see our grounds being cared for in a way that aligns with our mission to preserve a peaceful, natural environment for our community.”
Visitors to the cemetery often stopped to watch the animals at work under the supervision of handlers and a livestock guardian dog. The project is part of a growing trend of sustainable land management that uses grazing animals to control vegetation.
For more information about SLO Goats & Sheep, visit SLOGoats.com or contact Cindy Findley at (480) 309-3933. For inquiries about the Atascadero Cemetery, contact Cindy Summers at (805) 466-1242.
The Atascadero Cemetery District, also known as Pine Mountain Cemetery, manages 60 acres of land and provides burial and cremation services to Atascadero and the surrounding area. SLO Goats & Sheep specializes in targeted grazing services throughout San Luis Obispo County.
